Geneva History Museum

Good Cheer and Gossip: Geneva Nurses Alumnae Newsletter (1928-1947)
2020-09-08 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
Join us virtually to hear stories of the nurses who trained at Colonial and Community Hospitals between 1911 and 1935 from letters they wrote for the hospital Christmas newsletters. Volunteer, Sue Anderson, will share how these resourceful women grew their careers and raised families during two tumultuous decades that encompassed the Great Depression and World War II.
Register HERE to receive the Zoom link via email.

Frank Brownfield Gray: Geneva Architect
2020-05-12 12:00 - 13:00
Born in St. Charles, Frank Brownfield Gray eventually established his architectural office at Geneva in 1928. His extensive portfolio of projects throughout the Fox River Valley has been unacknowledged and often overlooked. Michael A. Lambert, Preservation Planner for the City of Geneva, will highlight Gray’s career, as well as his architectural legacy in Geneva and neighboring communities.
This a Geneva History Museum Brown Bag Virtual Program. Those that would like to receive the link to the Zoom presentation, please send an email to director@genevahistorymuseum.org before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12.

Share Your Story of Covid-19
2020-04-14 12:00 - 13:00
During this time of crisis around the world, the Geneva History Museum is pleased to offer a way to connect with each other in our first virtual program to share your stories of Covid-19. April 14 at noon would have been our regularly scheduled monthly Brown Bag program so instead of more cancellations, we have decided to offer this unique opportunity.
Participants are encouraged to share how they are feeling during isolation, how they are working and teaching children from home, shopping for needed supplies and supporting local businesses during closure, etc. If you are already in the GHM database, you will automatically receive the invitation. If you are not in the GHM database but would like to receive an email invitation to join this program, please send your email address to Director@GenevaHistoryMuseum.org by 4 p.m. on April 13.
You will receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting. If you do not wish to join, please disregard the email.
If you do not have the Zoom application installed on your computer, tablet or phone, you will be asked to install Zoom and create an account (this is free). You can choose to share audio and video or just audio. Here is a video from Zoom on how to join a meeting https://youtu.be/hIkCmbvAHQQ.
There is no charge to participate in this virtual program. Please note – this program will be recorded and preserved as part of the Geneva History Museum archives to document this historic crisis. We hope you will join us!

A Life In Code
2020-03-10 12:00 - 13:00
In honor of National Women’s History Month, join us for this special Skype presentation with author G. Stuart Smith, great-nephew of pioneer cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman who began her career at Fabyan’s Riverbank Laboratories in Geneva. Limited seating available. Tables will not be set up to accommodate the large anticipated attendance.
CLICK (HERE) TO REGISTER
(Buttons below are not for registration)

Geneva's East Side
2020-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Come learn about Geneva’s development east of the Fox River and north of Route 38. Hear stories about the people, homes and businesses that shaped this area.
REGISTER (CLICK HERE)
(do not click on the buttons below)

Feature Gallery Exhibition: Disaster & Destruction Hit Geneva Open to the Public
2020-02-08 11:00 - 16:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
(photo of the 1965 tornado)
Explore this photographic exhibition highlighting the disasters and destruction that have rocked this city and how Geneva responded in the way of devastation.
Admission: $3/person, $2/children ages 3 to 10, and includes the 3,000 square foot Main Gallery “Geneva’s Story”
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday thru November 7, 2020.

VIP/Members Only Exhibition Opening Party "Disaster & Destruction Hit Geneva"
2020-02-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Be the first to view our new Feature Gallery Exhibition: Disaster & Destruction Hit Geneva
A photographic exhibition highlighting the disasters and destruction that have rocked this city and how Geneva responded in the wake of devastation. Appetizers and wine will be served. Tornados, fires, floods and blizzards have affected Geneva and several changed the landscape to create the town we know today.
Guest Presentation at 6:30 p.m. by Brian Smith, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service. Brian is a 1976 graduate of Geneva High School and credits living through Geneva disasters for directing him into his profession.
REGISTER HERE

Museum Closed for Inventory & Exhibition Installation
2019-12-23 - 2020-02-07
The Geneva History Museum will be closed from December 23 through February 7 for Gift Shop Inventory and Exhibition installation.
Feature Gallery Exhibition – Disaster and Destruction Hit Geneva, opens February 8 to the public.

Annual Members Celebration
2019-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Members only private party to celebrate the Museum’s accomplishments. A review of the Museum’s finances and voting for Board of Directors positions, followed by appetizers, wine, and fun. Special 20% off Gift Shop discount for attendees.
REGISTER HERE

Museum Merry Mixer Fundraiser
2019-12-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Enjoy appetizers, music and raffle prizes at this cocktail party fundraiser for our magnificent 18th century nativity restoration. Reservations include appetizers and one drink ticket – $5/each for additional tickets.
REGISTER HERE

Special Evening Viewing of the Annual Geneva Giving Trees & 18th Century Créche Display
2019-12-06 17:00 - 21:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Special evening viewing of Christmas trees and our 18th century nativity during the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Christmas Walk. Take your photo in our antique sleigh photo booth!

Annual Geneva Giving Trees & 18th Century Créche Display Open
2019-11-26 11:00 - 16:00
Visit our gallery of Christmas trees decorated by local charities. Marvel at our 18th century Créche, a historic nativity scene originally displayed at The Little Traveler since the 1930s. Giving Trees and Créche on display through December 21.

Champagne Brunch at The Little Traveler
2019-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | The Little Traveler, 404 South Third Street, Geneva, 60134
Kick-off your holiday season in the Atrium Café with a special Italian-themed brunch fundraiser for restoration of our 18th century Neapolitan nativity. Hear unique stories behind this masterpiece first displayed at The Little Traveler starting in the 1930s. Limited seats available. Participants get a goodie bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants and a special first-viewing of the season of the Créche at the Geneva History Museum that afternoon.
REGISTER HERE or call The Little Traveler 630-232-4200

History of the Fabyan Forest Preserve
2019-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
In honor of the 80th anniversary of Kane County’s acquisition of the Fabyan Estate, Vivian Lasken, Director of the Fabyan Villa & Japanese Garden, will share stories of Fabyan Forest Preserve’s history.
REGISTER HERE

Geneva On Wheels - November 8
2019-11-08 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register
Register for other Geneva On Wheels dates – September 25 & October 29

Last Day - Kane County Juried Art Exhibition
2019-11-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Last chance to explore these thirty-two selected artworks submitted by residents from Kane County. Discover the winners of “Best in Show 2D,” “Best in Show 3D,” “Honorable Mentions” and the “Crowd Pleaser” awards. Feature Gallery open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., admission $3/person, $2/children ages 3 to 10 and FREE for Museum Members.

Geneva On Wheels - October 29
2019-10-29 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register
Register for other Geneva On Wheels dates – September 25 & November 8

Annual Ghost Walks
2019-10-26
Where is the most haunted spot in Geneva? Join us for ghostly tales shared through guided tours of the Historic district. Tours start at the Museum. Tours at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.SOLD OUT and 8 p.m.SOLD OUT – Space is limited so register early!
Register Here

West Side Cemetery Walk
2019-10-12 14:00 - 15:00 | WestSide Cemetery, 301 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Explore Geneva’s oldest cemetery on Stevens Street. Learn the meanings of markings on tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Meet at the cemetery.
Register Here
Join us for the Oak Hill Cemetery Walk at 11 a.m.

Oak Hill Cemetery Walk
2019-10-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Oak Hill Cemetery, Route 25, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Explore Geneva’s east side cemetery on Route 25. Learn the meanings of markings of tombstones and stories of prominent settlers. Meet at the cemetery.
REGISTER HERE
Join us for the West Side Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Radical Decorative: Geneva's Howell Furniture Company at the Century of Progress
2019-10-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair closing on October 31, 1934. Join Stuart Henn, Marketing and Education Coordinator from Northern Illinois University Art Museum, as he explores Geneva’s connection to the Century of Progress Exposition.
Register by Clicking Here

Geneva On Wheels - September 25
2019-09-25 10:30 - 11:30
Join us for a 45-minute van tour of historic Geneva, sharing fun stories of people, properties and events. Tour registration is $25/person and includes a Goodie Bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants, FREE admission to the Museum and a postcard from the Gift Shop.
Schedule your own tour date, minimum 6 people. Bring your own bus or trolly and we will hop on to give the tour. Bike tours and walking tours also available. Call 630-232-4951 for more information.
Click Here To Register
Register for other Geneva On Wheels dates – October 29 & November 8

BBQ at the Museum - Annual Fundraiser
2019-09-12 18:00 - 21:00
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please join us next year.
Join us for an evening of fun under a lit canopy to help raise funds for the museum, 6 to 9p.m., Thursday, September 12. Special guest emcee Scott Mackay of 95.9FM The River. Cash bar $5/ticket to purchase beer from Stockholm’s Brew Pub, wine from Patten House Restaurant and a cocktail creation from Fox River Distilling Company.
Dinner, wine, beer, cocktails, silent auction and two new events – wine pull and a jewelry heist!
Wine Pull – 50 bottles of wine will be available for purchase for $20/each. Pick your wrapped bottle for a chance to win a nice bottle of wine and several will include gift certificates worth even more!
Jewelry Heist – Purchase a key for $20 each or 6 for $100 to find one of the five keys that might unlock the treasure chest full of five beautiful jewelry creations from State Street Jewelers. Pick out the wrapped jewelry box of your choice and unveil your winnings at the end of the event. Jewelry includes: Sterling Silver Belle E Toile Earrings valued @ $225, Stainless Steel Quartz Watch valued @ $420, Amethyst & 14k White Gold Diamond Pendant $735, 14k Yellow Gold three Opal Pendant valued @ $950, 14k Gold Diamond Necklace valued @ $1,995.
Registration is required to plan for food and seating. Please enter the museum through the front doors to check-in and walk through the museum to the event. Check-out will take place at the end of the evening inside the museum meeting room.
Auction donations and sponsorships are always welcome. Please contact Terry Emma at Director@GenevaHistoryMuseum.org.

Peck Farm Park: A Family Legacy
2019-09-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Join Trish Burns, Manager of Geneva Park District’s Peck Farm Park, as she celebrates the Peck Farm House’s 150th anniversary with an in-depth look at the Peck Family and their legacy.
REGISTER HERE

Story Time - August 6
2019-08-06 10:00 - 10:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Story time theme for August is Transportation.
Join us each month during the summer for a special story time reading about a theme featured in the children’s exhibition “Let’s Play Railway!” Drop in for reading and an activity led by the Geneva Public Library. Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old with parental supervision. Registration not required. Free admission to the gallery following the activity.
Free admission all year long with a Geneva History Museum Membership.
Other story time sessions: June 26-Trains, July 19-Farms

Story Time - July 19
2019-07-19 10:00 - 10:30
Story time theme for July is Farming.
Join us each month during the summer for a special story time reading about a theme featured in the children’s exhibition “Let’s Play Railway!” Drop in for reading and an activity led by the Geneva Public Library. Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old with parental supervision. Registration not required. Free admission to the gallery following the activity.
Free admission all year long with a Geneva History Museum Membership.
Other story time sessions: June 26-Trains, August 6-Transportation

Story Time - June 26
2019-06-26 10:00 - 10:30 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Story time theme for June is Trains.
Join us each month during the summer for a special story time reading about a theme featured in the children’s exhibition “Let’s Play Railway!” Drop in for reading and an activity led by the Geneva Public Library. Recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years old with parental supervision. Registration not required. Free admission to the gallery following the activity.
Free admission all year long with a Geneva History Museum Membership.
Other story time sessions: July 19-Farms, August 6-Transportation

Swedish Days Trolley Tours
2019-06-18 - 2019-06-20
Enjoy a 35-minute guided tour including stories of historic Geneva starting every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, Wednesday, June 19 or Thursday, June 20 at Third and James Streets. This year’s route will include historic homes, the Geneva Golf Club, Country Day School, Burgess-Norton, Memorial Pool, Western Avenue School and the old Peck Farm sheep barn. Tours are $10/person and include admission to the museum and a goodie bag full of offers from Geneva shops and restaurants.
Purchase your tour at the trolley stop (corner of Third and James Streets), at the Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, or call 630-232-4951.

Children's Gallery Exhibition - "Let's Play Railway!"
2019-06-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Little engineers can enjoy a pretend ride in this traveling exhibit’s life-size engine, cattle wagon and caboose. The hands-on activities in Let’s Play Railway!™ promote early math and literacy. They encourage children to solve problems and interact with others as they communicate, share and take turns. This exhibit features buttons, sound effects, puzzles, play tables and much more! Special hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday until August 17.
Admission $3/adults, $2/children ages 3 to 10, become a museum member and get in free every day!
This exhibition is sponsored locally by the Fabyan Foundation.
© Let’s Play Railway!™ and logos are trademarks of Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Inc. All rights reserved. Let’s Play Railway!™ was developed by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

VIP/Members Only Opening - Kane County Juried Art Exhibition
2019-06-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Geneva History Museum, 113 South Third Street, Geneva, IL, 60134, United States
Be the first to explore the selected artworks and winners of “Best in Show 2D” and “Best in Show 3D” in our Feature Gallery. Select your favorite work of art at the opening to be awarded the “Crowd Pleaser” ribbon.
6:30 p.m. Guest Juror’s remarks and award announcements, Crowd Pleaser award announced at the end of the evening (8:00 p.m.).
Register Here
